Since its first vintage in 1985, Coldstream Hills has grown to be one of Australia’s leading small wineries. With a reputation for producing outstanding single vineyard and reserve wines Coldstream Hills has a particular focus on the internationally heralded varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

All estate fruit, including the Amphitheatre A and G blocks; 15% whole bunches and matured in French barriques (57% new). A bright, deep-ish crimson. With its aromas of black cherries, violets, brown spices and a touch of freshly hung meat, there's lots going on in this compelling wine. The palate is brooding and structured and while you'd no doubt enjoy this now with some food, the best is at least four to six years away, if not longer. Worth every cent. Date: Dec 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $85.00; Drink by: 2035; Rating: 97 Points & Special Value Star; Philip Rich; James Halliday Wine Companion

Deep red with a purple tinge, the bouquet reserved and tightly furled, with some oaky notes and some smoked charcuterie, the palate intense and firm, concentrated and deep, with abundant fine but firming tannins that help drive a long finish. This promises to reveal more with a little more time in the bottle. It also opens up with time in the glass. Excellent potential. Serious pinot noir. Date: Sept 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $85.00; Drink: 2025-2038; Rating: 96 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

There’s a bit of brood to this 2022 release, which should stand it in great stead for the future. It has very good depth of fruit, and excellent length, but it’s the foot-in-each-camp aspect that defines it: it feels stewy, it feels fresh, it shows it’s oak, it’s brooding/understated. It’s savoury, fruity and oak-kissed; it gives off a real impression of power. Assured is the word, in the most positive of senses. Date: Oct 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Price: $85.00; Closure: Screwcap; Drink: 2026-2033+; Rated: 95 Points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front